Al Horford officially said goodbye to the Boston Celtics, committing to a multi-year deal with the Golden State Warriors, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Sunday.
The 39-year-old veteran center spent seven of the past nine seasons in Boston and was a key contributor to the Celtics’ 2024 championship.
Emotional Farewell to Boston
Shortly after news of his signing with Golden State broke, Horford shared an emotional message to Celtics fans.
“From the moment we arrived, you have welcomed my family and I with open arms. This chapter in my career will hold a special place in my heart. Raising banner 18 with this city will be a moment I will always cherish. I am forever grateful for the fans and organization. Thank you, Boston,” Horford wrote.
Horford’s departure, along with that of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, leaves a significant gap in Boston’s frontcourt rotation. The team now must lean on last season’s fourth-string center Neemias Queta, along with offseason acquisitions Luka Garza, Chris Boucher, and Xavier Tillman Sr.
Impact of Tatum Injury on Horford’s Decision
According to Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach, Horford’s move was influenced by Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury and the subsequent roster changes.
“Horford has agreed to a deal with the Warriors. The source says that Jayson Tatum’s injury and other departures factored into Horford’s final decision, but that it was still quite hard for him to leave Boston, which he considers a second home,” Himmelsbach wrote on X.
Last season, Horford averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, shooting 36.3% from 3-point range. During Boston’s 2024 title run, he made 41.9% of his 3-pointers, providing floor spacing and veteran leadership.
Tatum’s Rapid Rehab Offers Hope
Meanwhile, Tatum is progressing faster than expected in his Achilles recovery. Tatum works toward a potential return this season — a timeline far shorter than the 18 months it took Kevin Durant to come back from a similar injury in the 2019 NBA Finals.
“Insane. Let’s get it, JT,” Durant wrote on X, reacting to a video of Tatum jogging and taking shots on the court.
Tatum himself has not ruled out playing this season.
“First thing, I haven’t said I’m not playing this season,” he told ESPN’s First Take, reflecting a bullish outlook on his recovery.
The video marked Tatum’s third on-court workout since the injury, showing him moving confidently and getting shots up.
“Rusty as a mother [expletive],” Tatum joked after the session.
“It’s been a long journey, 19 and a half weeks, but I always say brighter days ahead. A lot of things to look forward to. I just finished my third workout, so I’m finally back on the court. I just want everybody to know, I appreciate the love and support. It’s been a long journey, but I’m working my tail off to get back to full health — for the love of the game, and for the fans who support me and the team. I really appreciate the support,” Tatum said on his YouTube channel.
Patience is Key in Achilles Recovery
Recovery from a ruptured Achilles typically spans most, if not all, of a full season, making Tatum’s rapid return notable.
“The most important thing is a full recovery. And I’m not rushing it … at all,” Tatum said on First Take. “But also, I don’t go to rehab six days a week for nothing.”
As the Celtics move forward without Horford, Porzingis, and Holiday, the team will hope Tatum’s accelerated rehabilitation helps stabilize their frontcourt rotation while providing optimism for the 2025-26 season.
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